Arrabidaea chica (HBK) Verlot: phytochemical approach, antifungal and trypanocidal activities

Abstract

Arrabidaea chica (HBK.) Verlot (Bignoniaceae) vernacular name "Pariri", is a climbing shrub, widespread from South Mexico to Guyana and central Brazil and is traditionally indicated to treat symptoms of inflammations and skin affections. Its ethanol extract was chemically investigated and tested against yeasts and dermatophytic fungi. The trypanocidal activity of the same extract was also evaluated. This work reports the isolation of three flavonoids, the total growth inhibition of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and a significant trypanocidal effect of the ethanol extract and its fractions. No relevant acute toxicity was detected even at a dose of 1000 mg/kg.